December is here! I love this time of year – seasonal changes in weather, sitting in front of the fire, walks in the crisp, cold air and drinking eggnog :). Decorating for Christmas and the lead up to December 25th, can be a bit of overwhelm for some. That’s why I decided to put my spin on how to keep your cool, shop sensibly, and give generously, from the heart. My 12 Days of Decor & Holiday Health is kind of a reminder note to myself – and maybe you’ll take something away from it too!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
1) Forage Greenery – Bring the outdoor greens to your door, table, window and spaces by foraging in nature. Go for long walks and look for fallen branches, stems, berries, leaves and pinecones. Old forestry trails and under power lines make it legit, and you get out for a walk and into natural beauty.
2) Scent of the Season– Aromas of pine, cedar, juniper, crackling fires, roasting chestnuts, baking gingerbread, fresh berries, cinnamon, cloves and orange peel are fragrances of the holidays and so good to use.
3) Simple and Organic Linens – Are a fresh and natural way to keep your space feeling calm, cool and collected.
4) Forgo the Food & Alcohol Frenzy – To keep your mind and body fit and also to reduce stress involved with preparations, expenditure and waste.
5) Shop local – To support creative and makers in your neighbourhood while contributing to local economy.
6) Source sustainable – To reduce carbon footprint, prolong and promote wellness while feeling good at the same time. Win-win!
7) Simplify Gifts & Gift giving – To make memories, focus on long-term and lifestyle choices to realign priorities and experiences.
8) Reuse Wrap – Last season wrap or wrap in different products like 100% recycleable paper, newsprint, burlap, baskets, bakeware or clothing.
9) Volunteer & Visit – Friends, family and complete strangers in shelters, bake sales, craft markets, Soup kitchens, Church Fairs, Food Drives and Door-to-door carol singing!
10) Balance Old Traditions with New – Return to family customs and time-honoured rituals and spice it up adding something new or even challenging – like a ‘Polar Bear Swim’, or bring blankets and mitts to the homeless.
11) Lose the guilt – Often associated around this time of year with too much eating, drinking, spending etc. Stay true to your goals or create some if the holidays start messing with your feel-good vibe!
12) Kindle Kindness – In all your activities around this crazy-busy time of year, everyone else is working hard to get their to their own agenda. YOU have the power to engage and kindle kindness in every situation!
